noun / adjective

reverend

REV-er-uhnd/ˈrevərənd/

Deserving deep reverence.

The reverend pastor earns deep respect through years of service.

A clergy member stands before a congregation as people respectfully shake their hand after a service, making the honored religious role visible.

Etymology

reLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+verLatinto respect, stand in awe

+endLatinto be, deserving to be

The pieces express someone who is to be respected, with re- perhaps adding emphasis. Originally describing anyone worthy of deep respect, the word became a respectful clergy title and then a noun for a clergyman.

In context

Laura Bates7:37

A female Reverend in the Church of England was asked if there was a man available to perform the wedding or funeral service -

Everyday sexism: Laura Bates at TEDxCoventGardenWomen

WKNO speaker16:38

Reverend Lisa Anderson is a Disciples of Christ minister,

The Best Times - October 17, 2019

More examples

The Reverend Davis leads our church's Sunday service.
She addresses the letter to the Reverend Maria Lopez.
A local reverend offers comfort to the grieving family.

Forms

reverend · reverends

reverence noun — Deep respect for someone or something.

revere verb — To regard with deep respect or awe.

Similar words

venerable: Emphasizes respect earned through age, character, or long service.
respected: Describes actual esteem, without necessarily suggesting reverence or religious standing.
minister: Names a religious role rather than expressing reverence.